Weight Loss 101: Learning the Lingo

If one of your health goals is to lose weight in the new year, but you have no idea where to start, you’ve come the to the right place. Our three-part series, Weight Loss 101, will help you understand the complicated weight loss world so that you can make a better, more informed decision of which path to choose.

Before we dive into all the services that Trinity Health Michigan has to offer, let’s learn the lingo that is part of the weight loss world. Below are common terms to help you better understand the language so that you can be confident starting a conversation at your next appointment with your provider.

Anti-Obesity Medications (AOMs) - Prescription medications designed to help manage and reduce excess body weight by influencing appetite regulation, metabolism, or nutrient absorption. These medications are typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight loss strategy that includes lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.

Bariatric Surgery - Surgical procedures designed to induce weight loss by modifying the digestive system, often through the reduction of stomach size or bypassing a portion of the small intestine. It is considered for individuals with severe obesity and aims to promote significant and sustained weight loss, leading to improvements in overall health and reduction of obesity-related conditions.

Body Mass Index (BMI) - A numerical measurement calculated from a person's weight and height, providing a standardized indicator of body fatness and a general assessment of whether an individual has a healthy weight (18.5-24.9), is underweight (less than 18.5), overweight (25 to 29), or obese (30 or higher).

Dietitian - A healthcare professional specializing in nutrition and dietary practices, providing expertise and guidance to promote and maintain optimal health through appropriate food choices and nutritional plans.

Duodenal Switch – A weight loss surgery that involves a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures. It typically includes the removal of a large portion of the stomach, rerouting of the small intestine, and selective restriction of calorie and nutrient absorption, resulting in significant weight loss and changes in nutrient absorption patterns.

Gastric Sleeve - A gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical weight loss procedure that involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach, resulting in a tubular or sleeve-shaped organ. This restrictive surgery reduces the stomach's capacity, leading to weight loss by limiting the amount of food a person can eat and affecting hunger-regulating hormones.

GLP-1s - GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (think Ozempic and Mounjaro), are a class of medications used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, obesity. They mimic the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1, stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon production, and promoting a feeling of fullness, ultimately contributing to improved blood glucose control and potential weight loss.

Health Management Resources (HMR) – A nationally recognized Weight Management program helps many people lose twice the weight in half the time without feeling hungry that is offered at Trinity Health Michigan.

Medical Weight Loss – A non-surgical, medically supervised program that helps individuals lose weight safely and maintain their weight loss. It is often used to help support the use of AOMs and is offered at Trinity Health Michigan.

Nutrition Therapy - A personalized and evidence-based approach to address health conditions, weight loss or optimize well-being through dietary interventions, often through a Dietitian. It encompasses the assessment, development, and implementation of dietary plans tailored to an individual's specific needs, considering factors such as medical history, lifestyle, and nutritional requirements.

Obesity - Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat, leading to adverse effects on health. It is typically defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and is associated with an increased risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass - A weight loss surgery that involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to promote both restriction of food intake and reduced absorption of nutrients.

At Trinity Health Michigan, the path to a healthy weight is as unique as you are. We realize not everyone is looking for the same results, and not every program works for each person. That’s why we offer more choices, including nutrition counseling and weight management programs, in addition to bariatric surgery.

Experienced weight loss specialists take time to get to know you as an individual and learn about your health goals. They then tailor services to your needs and preferences, giving you the best chances for success.